In this article, we want to compare the Osprey Aether 55 vs 65 version, as it comes with two options. In general, the Aether line of Osprey is among the premium packs, which has a perfect organization and tons of features. We like this pack a lot, and it looks like this backpacking backpack is the top-dog for many.
Therefore, we would like to give guidance on which one to pick in this article, the 55 or the 65 version. Honesty, we would recommend 65-liters, if you don’t have any specific reason for 55-liters.
Our experts have reviewed the Aether 65 (in-depth review) and the difference between the Aether line (Standard vs Plus vs Pro). We encourage you to check these posts to fully understand the Osprey Aether line. If you are so desperate and don’t have time, here is the highlights of Osprey Aether 65 Version from our experts. Checking this chart will help you to understand better the whole post:
| Review of # | Aether 65 |
|---|---|
| Access | Top, front, sleeping bag compartment |
| Volume (M Size) | 65 L |
| Weight (M Size) | 5 lbs |
| Load Carrying Capability | 60 lbs |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Pockets | Fabric reinforced front shove-it pocket (1), Dual-access stretchy mesh side/water bottle pockets (2), Dual zippered hipbelt pockets (2) |
| Price | Check the latest Rates |
| Trip Length | Up to 1 Week |
| Type | Standard |
| Women’s Counter Parts | Ariel 55/65 |
| CampaRest Expert Review | Aether 65 Review |
Short Summary for Aether 55 vs 65 Comparison:
Basically, the only difference between the Aether 55 and 65 is the volume. There is 10 liters of difference between them and that is all. The features, number of pockets, durability, comfort, adjustability and materials are all the same.
Both packs have the load carrying capability of 30-60 lbs and are suitable up to a week of haul.
These are the midrange backpacking pack and come with two size options; Small/Medium and Large/XLarge. Also, it is worth noting here that the volume variation differs in different sizes, approximately +/- 3L depending on the size you prefer.
By the way, the 65 liters option is 20$ more expensive than the 55 liters option. So, is it worth buying a 65 liter version? Our answer is definitely Yes! Based on our backpacking experience, this additional 10-liter volume can be a life saver. You can leave it empty when it is unnecessary. Just in case, it is better than not having it. Here, we prepared summary table that shows the highlights on the Aether 55 and the 65 options, so you can compare them side by side.
| Review of # | Aether 55 | Aether 65 |
|---|---|---|
| The Usage | Backpacking | Backpacking |
| Medium Frame Weight | 4 lbs. 13.3 oz. | 4 lbs. 14.7 oz. |
| Medium Weight Volume | 55 liters | 65 liters |
| Gender | Men’s | Men’s |
| Women’s Counter Part | Ariel Series | Ariel Series |
| Fit – Waist | 28-55 inches | 28-55 inches |
| Dimensions | 31 x 15 x 10 inches | 32 x 15 x 11 inches |
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL | S/M, L/XL |
In this post, basically we compared the Osprey Aether 55-liters with the 65-liters options. On the other hand, we have prepared an in-depth review for the Osprey Aether Line, and evaluated it in many aspects such as the comfort, adjustability, fit, suspension, ease of use, customer experiences and our own experience. If you are willing to go with the Aether line, we think it is a good idea to check this article.
One last note on this, the women’s counterpart of Aether 55/65 is the Ariel 55/65. The only difference between the Aether and the Ariel line is the women specific needs considering the fit and color options. Everything else is the same.
Features & Organization Review for Osprey Aether 55-L & 65-L
Before going any further, we would like to share the full list of Osprey Aether 55 & 65’s features, and then share our organization review on that:
| Aether 55 and 65: |
|---|
| Pockets |
| Fabric reinforced front shove-it pocket |
| Dual-access Stretch mesh side water bottle pockets |
| Dual zippered hipbelt pockets |
| Straps & Attachments |
| Dual upper/lower side compression straps |
| Removable sleeping pad strap |
| Dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs |
| Only on Plus Variation |
| Other Features |
| Internal hydration reservoir sleeve |
| Raincover (removable) |
| Main Compartment has large front panel zip access. |
| Floating top lid with lash points |
| Only on Plus Variation |
| Fit-on-the-fly Hipbelt & Shoulder Straps |
| Zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider |
| Dual front panel compression straps with StraightJacket compression |
| Anchor loops for an optional Osprey Daylite® daypack for short forays |
When we evaluated Osprey Aether 55 vs 65 liters options from the Features & Organization stand point, they are the same!
The Aether 55 & 65’s organization is fairly enough. It has 5 pockets in total and three ways to reach the main compartment (from top, front via J shaped zipper, and bottom – sleeping bag compartment). Our highlight on its features & organization are as follows:
At the front, there is shove-it pocket, which is large and resistant to tears and abrasion (made of burly nylon). This space is very useful for anything from a rain jacket to compact set of snowshoes:
It is very easy and secure to access the main compartment via J-shaped lockable zipper:
Moreover, it has two hipbelt pockets which are fairly large to accommodate a plus-sized iPhone:
.
At the bottom of the pack, there is a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider:
Both Aether 55 and 65 have two water bottle pockets with an easy access from top and side. This is so good, since you don’t need to take off the pack to grab a bottle. One more point to water bottle pockets of Aether, they are so stretchy. Although we fully packed the interior, the stretchy material still allows holding a Hydro Flask:
The removable rain cover (integrated) is included. It deploys from the zippered bottom compartment:
To secure things like pole or ice axe, the Aether standard models (55/65L) have two sets of loops and bungee cinches along the front:
The Aether 55 and 65 has dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-offs, but there is no trekking pole attachment (the previous version Aether AG 70 had this feature)
Removable sleeping pad straps:
Internal hydration reservoir sleeve:
All that said, we need to mention about the trekking pole attachment. The older version (Aether AG 70L) had Stow-on-the-Go Trekking pole attachment on shoulder straps; however, the latest pack (Aether 65L) lacks it. This option is still available on the Aether Plus variations.
Also, the older generation had convertible top lid to daylite daypack, Osprey transferred this feature to Plus variations as well.
Volume, Dimensions, Weight & Fabric
Here is the comparison of Osprey Aether 55 vs 65 in terms of Volume, Dimension, Weight and Fabric:
Aether 55
| Frame Size | VOLUME | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| S/M | 3356 IN3 / 55 L | 30.71H X 14.96W X 9.84D IN. | 4.827 LBS. |
| L/XL | 3539 IN3 / 58 L | 32.68H X 14.96W X 9.84D IN. | 4.871 LBS. |
FABRIC
MAIN
bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
ACCENT
bluesign®-approved 210D nylon Diamond, PFC-free DWR
BOTTOM
bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
Aether 65
| Frame Size | VOLUME | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| S/M | 3967 IN3 / 65 L | 31.5H X 15.75W X 11.02D IN. | 4.919 LBS. |
| L/XL | 4150 IN3 / 68 L | 33.46H X 15.75W X 11.02D IN. | 4.963 LBS. |
FABRIC
MAIN
bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
ACCENT
bluesign®-approved 210D nylon Diamond, PFC-free DWR
BOTTOM
bluesign®-approved 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
Technology Review for Osprey Aether 65- and 55-Liters:
The Osprey technologies have been implemented on both 65 and 55 versions are the Fit-on-the Fly Hipbelt & Shoulder Strap, Airscape Suspension, and the sustainable bluesign®-approved nylon and PFC-free DWR.
CUSTOM FIT
Thanks to its Fit-on-the-Fly technology, the adjustability of the Aether line is perfect. This technology has been implemented on both the Hipbelt and the shoulder strap. For the hipbelt, the pad can extend 6 inches or 15 cm to accommodate different sizes and provides a custom fit.
It is very easy to fine-tune the fit via adjusting the torso length for variety of body shapes and sizes.
AIRSCAPE SUSPENSION
The Aether Series are used to have Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension. In the latest revisions, both Aether 55 and 65 have AirScape Suspension.
To begin with, this is an injection-molded, die-cut foam backpanel. The AirScape Suspension is very breathable and close to body fit. Basically, this lightweight mesh-covered 3D foam sets the standards so high.
The stability is increased owing to AirScapeTM, the weight of the pack is very close to the body. Although, there is less suspended mesh along the back, it features large cutouts in the foam to increase the breathability. The ventilation and the cushioning still provide a great gear-carrying experience.
LOAD CAPACITY
On the technical trails, the Aether 55/65 is an ideal choice for carrying heavy loads. As we stated before both packs can be loaded up to 30-60 lbs, and their design allows for a stable close-to-body carry. This is very important for managing the heavy loads.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Constructed with high-quality bluesign®-approved nylon and PFC-free DWR.
Bottom Line for Osprey Aether 55 vs 65
Bottom line for Osprey Aether 55 vs 65: Which one are you going to pick? Who is the winner? We think the winner is Aether 65. We definitely recommend the Aether 65 over 55. An additional 10-liter volume means a lot in certain situations. Also, the difference in the price tag is only 20$. If you really do not have any reason to pick 55, definitely go with the 65 liters option. Remember that the bigger is better (up to a point!). Except those; the comfort, adjustability, ease of use, features, harness and everything else are the same.
Honestly, we usually prefer our Atmos AG 65 from all day to a week long trips. It is very comfortable (even more comfortable than the Aether 55 and 65) up to 40 lbs load. It is just not a heavy hauler as the Aether line and not has fully weather protection. On the other hand, It is more feature rich compared to the standard Aether 55/65 line. We encourage you to check the most recent comparison of the Aether 55/65 vs Atmos AG 65 as well before making a final decision.
Moreover, The Women’s counterpart of Osprey Aether is the Ariel line. The Ariel has also Plus variations (60/70/85L but no 100L). Furthermore, there is Pro option (Ariel Pro 65 for Alpine & weight conscious pursuits) as well.
Finally, we would like to recommend checking our Best Backpacking Backpacks review. Basically, you will find price vs performance, weight analysis, comfort, fit/adjustability, and ease of use comparison for the most popular backpacks of the year.
We tried to explain all the details of the Aether 65 as much as we can. We purchased these products and shared our own experience with them. CampArest team is ready to answer any of your questions. Please feel free to get in touch via our “Contact Page”, in case of any question.
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